All children are prone to injury and risks—keeping them safe is both the great fulfillment and the great challenge of parenthood. For children with developmental delays like autism, the risks and safety concerns can be much higher due to the unique ways these children see, experience, and interact with the world.
As a pediatric neurologist, I’ve seen firsthand the heightened risks that children with autism face, and, unfortunately, there is a significant gap in awareness when it comes to preventing tragedies for these children. Consider that 32 percent of parents of kids with autism report experiencing a “close call” drowning incident with their child.
These incidents are heartbreaking but preventable, and families deserve to have the tools and knowledge they need to avoid such tragedies. Hazards like wandering off, lack of understanding of the potential dangers associated with water or cars, and inattentiveness to risks are just a few of the instances where thorough awareness and preparation can be lifesaving.
Fortunately, our collective understanding of autism increases every year, giving us more opportunities to understand—and reduce—these risks. But change will only come if parents, caregivers, the healthcare community, and first responders alike work together to create safer, more supportive environments for children with developmental delay or autism.
Primary Risks
Understanding the common safety challenges associated with autism can help caregivers, educators, and communities take proactive steps to ensure safety.
Wandering, or “elopement,” is when an individual leaves a safe environment without notifying a caregiver, whether due to curiosity, a desire to explore, or an attempt to escape an overwhelming sensory environment, which is more common with autism and developmental delays. Wandering can lead to potentially dangerous situations, such as getting lost, encountering strangers, or even walking into traffic. Research has shown that nearly half of children with autism under the age of 4 have at least attempted to wander away.
Drowning is another unfortunately high risk—many autistic children lack awareness of water-related dangers and may be attracted to water due to visual and sensory appeal. Tragically, 44 children with autism lost their lives to drowning this summer in the United States alone. Autistic children are 160 times more likely to die from drowning compared to their peers without autism. Children with autism are also more likely to engage in self-injurious behaviors such as head-banging, biting, or scratching, which can lead to physical harm. These behaviors may be a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, sensory stimuli, or difficulty communicating. It is helpful for parents and caregivers to be able to recognize the signs when this behavior begins and seek assistance in pinpointing interventions to prevent it.
Prevention and Preparedness
Beyond mere awareness of potential risks, ensuring the safety of children with autism also requires proactive interventions and strategies. Taking steps to bolster preparedness not only enhances safety but also can put parents’ minds at ease, knowing that they are doing everything possible to protect their children and reduce the likelihood of accidents or dangerous situations.
Safety training and education should be at the core of every preparedness strategy—caregivers and family members must know the signs of wandering (e.g., repeated attempts to open doors or gates) and recognize triggers for self-injurious behaviors (e.g., sensory overload or communication frustration).
Technology can also improve the safety of children with autism. Devices like GPS trackers can monitor the location of a wandering-prone child, while tools such as door alarms and visual aids can further prevent elopement. Even low-tech security devices—simple and practical safety measures like lockable gates around a swimming pool—can go a long way in keeping children with autism safe.
It’s not just parents and caregivers who must prioritize these precautions. First responders should be trained to interact with individuals with autism effectively and compassionately, and teachers must be able to recognize and appropriately respond to autism-related behaviors.
Finally, ongoing collaboration with healthcare professionals who understand autism can help manage risks more effectively. Regular check-ins and consultations with doctors, therapists, and other professionals can provide guidance on safety concerns and recommend appropriate interventions.
Advocation and Awareness
Vocally advocating for individuals with autism is crucial for building safer, more inclusive communities. By understanding the unique challenges faced by those on the autism spectrum on a communal level, we can all foster a more supportive societal environment where everyone can thrive.
Public awareness and community education campaigns can educate people on recognizing and understanding autism-related behaviors, such as those that might warn of wandering or self-injury, and on knowing how to respond effectively. Initiatives like Spread Love with Locks and AngelSense demonstrate how community support can effectively raise awareness, provide education, and distribute essential safety tools to help keep children safe. Specialized swim lessons are also a valuable resource communities can offer to avoid drowning tragedies.
Awareness at the policy level is equally essential for driving widespread changes that can support individuals with autism. Advocates can work to influence legislation that allocates funding for autism research, supports safety programs, and mandates autism training for educators and first responders. States like Minnesota have already passed laws requiring autism awareness training for police officers and emergency responders, which can improve outcomes in crisis situations involving children with autism. Communities and municipalities can also prioritize proactive measures, such as installing safety gates around public parks and bodies of water or hosting sensory-friendly events.
